Thoughts, reflections, views and news from the Chief Executive

Building the Team – Communication and Promotion

Following up on my blog of yesterday, I am delighted to let you know that Takki Sulaiman is the Council’s preferred candidate for the role of Head of Communication and Promotion.

This new post, established within the Office of Chief Executive has as its overall priority the responsibility for improving the Council’s communication and engagement with the people we all serve. At the same time the post is also responsible for promoting the Council’s activities and achievements locally, nationally and internationally working in partnership with others to ensure that Aberdeen is recognised as a great place to live and work.

The post will play a pivotal role as we move forward both in finalising the new management structure of the Council and in developing the culture of the organisation, seeking to best balance customer experience, staff experience and our use of resources.

The Communication and Promotion service will bring together colleagues currently involved in delivering a range of functions including advertising, city and civic events, city promotion, design, digital communications, freedom of information, internal communications, marketing, media relations, public reporting, twinning and web activity.

Takki joins the Council from his current role as Head of Communications and Marketing at the London Borough of Tower Hamlets where he has been in post for the past 4½ years. Prior to Tower Hamlets he has held a variety of senior communications roles operating across England and Wales and in addition Takki has experience of delivering a number of high-profile events and marketing campaigns.

As you know, the Council’s appointment process for Chief Officers includes a full day “assessment centre” where candidates are put through their paces by a number of panels made up of staff and senior representatives of external stakeholders. The following day, candidates are interviewed by an appointment panel of elected members. Takki emerged from this process as an exceptional candidate and I am certain he will be a tremendous addition to the team here in Aberdeen.

The appointment meantime remains subject to the normal pre-employment checks.